An alleged teenage troublemaker has been handed an interim anti-social behaviour order.

Ashley Readshaw, 18, of Laurel Avenue, Grove Hill, appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court yesterday to hear the evidence in the Asbo application.

Samantha Dorchell, representing Middlesbrough Council, said Readshaw was a nuisance who had caused problems for Grove Hill residents for a couple of years.

She said he was part of a gang who have caused graffiti damage to properties, harassed residents, thrown missiles, driven vehicles in a dangerous manner, used drugs and drank alcohol in public places and made threats and been verbally abusive to council workers, street wardens and residents.

The court was told the police had been in regular contact with Readshaw and his mother and had been unable to reach any agreement on an acceptable behaviour contract.

Miss Dorchell added: "There is a large element of fear in that area. People say they are frightened to leave their houses unattended and they don't sleep because of gangs in the area."

Neil Douglas, representing Readshaw, said he could not challenge the accusations as he had not seen the file.

He added that his client accepted the interim order, which will run until April 10 when a full Asbo application is made.

Under the order, which was imposed by magistrates yesterday, Readshaw must not cause harassment alarm or distress, communicate with witnesses or congregate with more than three people or even one person from a list of other local troublemakers.

Among a number of other conditions was that he did not enter an area bounded by Park Road South, Valley Road, Marton Burn Road, Keith Road and Marton Road, although he is allowed to access Keith Road but only to get to and from his Laurel Avenue address.